Gum Nut Gully Preschool will remain at its current location in Doncaster East following Council’s decision not to support a proposal to rebuild it at a new site.
Instead, we'll advocate to the State Government for the necessary funding to plan and build a custom-designed facility at the preschool’s current location on Larnoo Drive in Doncaster East to support the kindergarten to meet the requirements of the Victorian Best Start Best Life reforms.
The unanimous decision at the Tuesday 25 November Council Meeting follows extensive community consultation in August about the proposal to relocate the preschool to a new modular building in nearby Corsican Reserve in Corsican Ave, Doncaster East.
We received 279 survey responses to a Your Say Manningham survey on the matter. The feedback was also supported by a community-led petition presented to Council with 967 signatories.
Mayor, Cr Jim Grivas, said the community was overwhelmingly in favour of keeping the preschool in its current location next to the Mullum Mullum Linear Park.
“We’ve listened to the community, who have made it clear why the preschool’s bushland setting is so special, and how vital it is to its much-loved bush kinder program,” Cr Grivas said.
“We’re committed to working with the preschool and the community to find the best way forward, ensuring local children receive high-quality educational experiences.
“I’d like to thank the Gum Nut Gully Preschool Committee, families and the many local residents who have provided their feedback,” Cr Grivas said.
The long-term future of the preschool cannot be guaranteed in its current building, which is almost 40 years old and reaching its end of life.
In 2024, we received a $3 million grant through the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks program to build a new two-room modular-style preschool, providing space for extra kindergarten places and allowing it to deliver on the Best Start Best Life reforms.
However, site investigations by the Victorian School Building Authority revealed the current site is not viable to build the funded modular building due to planning considerations such as bushfire controls and tree loss. Nearby Corsican Reserve was identified as the best alternative, subject to community consultation.
“As a result of the community’s strong opposition to the proposal, we will now explore the potential to rebuild a traditional or bespoke modular two-room preschool in Larnoo Ave,” Cr Grivas said.
“This will cost significantly more than the original proposal, due to the unique attributes of the site. We will therefore need State Government support and will strongly advocate for the funding needed to make this happen.”
The decision comes as Council also adopted our Early Years Infrastructure Plan at the 25 November 2025 Council Meeting. The plan will guide the planning, maintenance and investment in early childhood services facilities in Manningham.
This includes expanding and upgrading Council-owned kindergarten facilities in high-demand areas with funding from the State Government, and working with the State Government to create new kindergartens on school sites.
The Early Years Infrastructure Plan is available to read in full at Your Say Manningham.
